Ghana coach Grant was on a work assignment in Europe

The representative of the Black Stars coach refutes reports that the Israeli had been on a self-imposed two-month vacation in Europe

The agent of Ghana coach Avram Grant, Saif Rubie, has rubbished reports his client had been holidaying in Europe since the Black Stars last played Mauritius in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in June.

The former Chelsea manager only touched down in Accra on Sunday night amid a barrage of criticism, particularly from the Ghanaian media, ‘for neglecting his scouting duties in the local league’.

According to local media reports, Grant had refused to return to the country due to a default in his remuneration, a claim rejected by the Ghana Football Association.

“He [Grant] has not been on holidays,” Rubie told the BBC.

“He has been scouting players all over Europe.

“All he does is watch games and prepare for the next and that is his priority. The outcome of it shows in the games so far.

“It is his job to do the best for the national team and I think so long as that shows in the national team, I don’t see what the issue is.”

The 60-year-old led Ghana to the final of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea only to succumb to Cote d’Ivoire on penalties, just two months after his appointment as head coach.

A 7-1 thrashing of Mauritius in June remains the last seen of the ex-Portsmouth boss until his arrival in the country on Sunday.

However, Rubie opines Grant is on his way to making Ghana the great footballing force they once were before a catastrophic 2014 World Cup appearance under Kwesi Appiah.

“In a short period of time he managed to turn around the whole nation’s attitude and expectation of the national team after the debacle of the World Cup,” Rubie said.

“He has been organising coaching clinics for the coaches in Ghana because he believes good coaches will bring good players.

“Avram is happy to have the privilege of being a national team coach.”